Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialised procedure for the microscopically controlled excision of skin cancer.  Mohs surgery gives the highest cure rate for skin cancer (approximately 99%) and is the the most advanced and effective treatment procedure for skin cancer available today.  Mohs surgery is performed by specially trained dermatologic surgeons.

The��skin is prepared with a local anaesthetic then all the obvious cancer is removed and a thin piece of tissue is taken surgically around the edge of the cancer and is divided into pieces that will fit on a microscope slide; the edges are marked with colour dyes and a map or diagram of the tissue removed is made.  The tissue is then frozen and prepared by the technician.  A pressure dressing is applied to the wound and the patient is asked to wait while the slides are being processed.  The pathologist then examines the slides under a microscope and can tell if any cancer is still present.  If cancer is still present the dermatologist is able to exactly locate it based upon his map.  Another layer of tissue is removed and the procedure is repeated until the entire base and sides of the wound have no cancer cells remaining.  Each layer of tissue is called a Mohs stage.

Dr Macdonald carries out Mohs surgery at his practice.  You will��require a consultation.